Diamond Aircraft plans a family of general aviation aircraft to add to its line-up, which includes the DA20-C1 Katana trainer and the new DA40 Diamond Star piston single.
"We have come up with three aircraft types, which we feel will be welcomed by the marketplace. Our decision is based on extensive customer research and long-term discussions on the future of our product line," says Diamond executive vice-president Jeff Owens.
Although few details of the programmes are available, Diamond says the new line will include a six-seat single, a four-seat pressurised single and a four-seat twin. "It is too early to reveal technical details, but the aircraft will share similar features," adds Owens.
Privately owned Diamond believes the market is ready for new general aviation aircraft and early indications suggest the first aircraft, as yet unrevealed, should appear within five years. "We cannot identify a timeframe at this stage. It is a moving target, but we realise this is the right time [economically] to proceed," says Owens.
Development work will be divided between Diamond's factories in Vienna, Austria, and London, Ontario.
Meanwhile, European Joint Airworthiness regulations JAR-23 certification of the company's four-seat Diamond Star has slipped by six months to mid-June. US certification is set for year-end. The fourth of five conforming all-composite prototype aircraft was set to make its North American debut on 24 February in Ontario.
The official unveiling will kick-start a regional marketing campaign for the aircraft, which costs $185,000 and for which more than 300 orders and options have been chalked up.
The Vienna site is gearing up for production of the first batch of up to 60 aircraft for 2001. Manufacturing is expected to double the following year when the Canadian Diamond Star production line is up and running.
Source: Flight International
